MATHEW CANHAM FROM DONCASTER CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET BOY AT HEDON SAINSBURY'S
In a case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement, Mathew Canham, a 32-year-old resident of Rectory Gardens, Wheatley, Doncaster, found himself in serious legal trouble after an attempt to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old boy at a Sainsbury’s store in Hedon, Hull.The incident, which took place on March 28, 2018, was orchestrated by a group of paedophile hunters who had set a trap for him.
According to the prosecution, Nicola Quinney, the case revealed that Canham had been engaging in online conversations on the dating platform Grinder with a profile he believed belonged to a 14-year-old named Lewis.
In reality, Lewis was a decoy operated by the Hull Child Protectors, a group dedicated to catching individuals attempting to engage in illegal activities with minors.
The online exchanges between Canham and the decoy became sexual in nature, with Canham expressing intentions to meet the boy for sexual purposes.
Canham arranged to meet Lewis at a Sainsbury’s store located in Hedon, Hull, but upon arrival, he was not greeted by the supposed minor.
Instead, he was met by members of the paedophile hunter group, who promptly alerted the police.
The authorities responded swiftly, leading to Canham’s arrest and subsequent charges.
He pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, a conviction that stemmed from this incident.
During the court proceedings, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, the Recorder of Sheffield, described the case as exceptionally sad, emphasizing Canham’s autism and the social difficulties he faces.
The judge acknowledged that Canham is a young man with no prior convictions, which was considered an important factor in the case.
Judge Richardson expressed understanding of Canham’s condition, stating, “He is a young man who has no previous convictions.
That is an important feature but by far the most important feature of the case, which has an overarching importance, is the fact that the defendant is autistic.” The judge also noted that Canham does not possess malicious intent but requires significant support, despite the efforts of his caring parents who attended the court hearing.
As part of his sentence, Canham was given a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to participate in a 35-session support programme and complete a 30-day rehabilitation course.
Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offender Register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a period of seven years.
The judge emphasized that such matters should be handled by law enforcement authorities rather than vigilante groups, underscoring the importance of proper legal procedures in dealing with such cases.
